The South Greenville Neighborhood Association held its first meeting last night aimed at addressing area problems and it was attended by Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, police brass and other elected officials.

“We have a lot of issues in our neighborhood and we also think there are a lot of positive things about our neighborhood and we think if we can solve some of the big problems, it will be great for everybody, and we are pretty optimistic about the new administration,” said association committee member Marth Larkins today.

Larkins said a survey was taken at the meeting to determine key issued which need to be address in south Greenville and she noted crime, gang violence, noise at night and problems at Columbia Park including crime, litter, poor lighting and no park benches.

Fulop answered questions for about 40 minutes at the meeting held in the backyard of a committee member on Gates Avenue. City Council members Joyce Watterman and Frank Gajewski also attended, as did Police Chief Joseph Connors and designated Public Safety Director James Shea.

“With all the attention we were getting from the leadership of the city, someone said it didn’t seem like were are in Jersey City anymore,” Larkins said.

Larkins said people at the meeting discussed issues for several hours and exchanged email addresses and phone numbers. She said core members of the association will now go over the survey filled out by those attending last night’s meeting, determine what issues should be addressed first, plan and agenda and begin monthly meetings.

“I feel like we have a really good group of people willing to work with the administration and improve this area,” Larkins said.